Irfan Set For Test Debut Author: Analyst Maaz; Views: 815; Date: 13-02-2013, 11:08;

The 212th test cricketer to represent Pakistan

Mohammad Irfan, officially the tallest player in the history of the game is set to receive his test cap tomorrow. Irfan claimed match figures of 7-40 in the 2 day warm, albeit against a 2^nd string province side in between the last test.

There have been many question marks raised with regards to his fitness and durability for the 5 day game. Nevertheless, with a strong first class record behind him and unique frame, many are fascinated by the left arm quick and feel he can be a handful on these South African surfaces, particularly with the way he bowled in India on less assistive ones.

At 30, Irfan will be at the peak of his powers and this is one of the rare opportunities he’ll get to play on bouncier tracks. Many feel for the above reasons, he is and always was a MUST play.

Did Misbah and Whatmore make the same mistake that Cook and Flower do in India by not selecting him for the 1^st test which was lost? Similarly England ignored Monty, however played him in the rest of the series and with that came a dramatic change in fortunes as England won their first series in India of this century.

He is the sort of bowler, who IF on the money, could bowl Pakistan to victory with a match winning 10-fer here.  He has the height, pace and ability to learn quickly. How Misbah uses him will be a key area and one that will need to have plenty of thought behind, however he would know given his shrewd capabilities.

SS commentator Mike Haysman was most fascinated about him both during the Johannesburg test and prior to the visitors landing with all the much awaited build up.

The former factory worker has had a remarkable journey in a short span of time and there was a real air of disappointment when he was overlooked for the 1^st test by fans, journalists, experts and commentators.

By Abdullah @maza786 on Twitter